PCD 1342 MPS Modern Slavery Statement 2021 - 2022

PCD 1342 MPS Modern Slavery Statement 2021 - 2022 

This decision seeks approval for the MPS’s 2021-22 Modern Slavery statement and outline ways of working on how this will be included in Commercial decision-making, describing possible contingency measures based on supplier feedback.  

Under the provisions of the Modern Slavery Act 2015, companies with an annual turnover exceeding £36million are required to publish a Modern Slavery Statement. In November 2020, the government announced that from 2021 it was extending this requirement to public sector organisations with a budget exceeding £36million and the MPS subsequently published it’s first Modern Slavery Statement for 2020 - 21. DMPC approval is requested for the 2021-22 Modern Slavery Statement following approval at the Portfolio and Investment Board in September. 

The Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime is recommended to:   

1. Approve the MPS Modern Slavery Statement for 2021-22. 

PART I - NON-CONFIDENTIAL FACTS AND ADVICE TO THE DMPC 

1. Introduction and background  

1. Modern Slavery is a hidden crime that continues to blight societies globally.  

2. Modern Slavery is addressed in Goal 8 (Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all) of the Sustainable Development Goals, where it targets  

‘immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labour, end modern slavery and human trafficking and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour, including recruitment and use of child soldiers, and by 2025 end child labour in all its forms.’ 

3. 2021 saw an increase in active investigations, prosecutions and convictions in the UK on Modern Slavery. 

4. The Home Office leads efforts across Whitehall in addressing Modern Slavery across supply networks, identifying high-risk contracts and having suppliers complete the Modern Slavery Assessment Tool (MSAT) to allow results to be shared across departments for greater visibility and assurance. The Home Office has also launched a Modern Slavery statement register that is available for public review. 

5. The MPS, represented by Commercial Services and Property Services, are also participants within the GLA Responsible Procurement Policy, contributing with peer organisations to improvements in supplier behaviours across London. 

2. Issues for consideration  

1. MOPAC/MPS standard terms and conditions include warranties associated with modern slavery and/or forced labour and/or human trafficking. If evidence is found that any supplier is in breach, the contract will be subject to termination, regardless of whether the relationship is direct or not. 

3. Financial Comments  

1. All associated costs related to these activities are managed through core functional activities within MPS Commercial Services or through collaborative efforts with the GLA and the BlueLight Company (BLC). 

4. Legal Comments  

1. The Modern Slavery Statement has received approval from Directorate of Legal Services (DLS). Any further legal involvement will depend on the information obtained either directly or indirectly from the MPS supply base. 

2. Under the provisions of the Modern Slavery Act 2015, companies with an annual turnover exceeding £36million are required to publish a Modern Slavery Statement. In November 2020, the government announced that from 2021 it was extending this requirement to public sector organisations, with a budget exceeding £36million. 

5. GDPR and Data Privacy  

1. All information provided by the supply base is held solely for MPS Commercial purposes. The only personal data held will relate to supplier contacts. 

6. Equality Comments  

1. This paper has undergone an initial equality screening. Due regard has been taken to the Equality Act’s Public Sector Equality Duty. Real consideration has been taken to assess equality impact caused by the proposed business changes. As a result no positive or negative impact has been identified to any individual and/or group safeguarded by a protected characteristic and those who are not. 

2. 2021 saw an increase in active investigations, prosecutions and convictions in  the UK on Modern Slavery. Central Specialist Crime Command have addressed operational activities within the statement.  Commercial Services is committed to ensuring the MPS is not exposed to any threats created by our supply networks in the provision of Goods, Services and Works. 

7. Background/supporting papers 

1. Report and attached Modern Slavery Statement 2021-22.